Research institutes

Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine

The Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine (MERLN) strives to maintain a leading position in the field of biomedical engineering by combining creative research with training an interdisciplinary generation of scientists. MERLN’s activities operate at the interface of biology and engineering and aim to maximise outreach at the level of public involvement, development, and the commercialisation of research. MERLN’s vision is based on sharing knowledge, infrastructure, and ambition.

Fast facts

specialises in technology for regeneration from bone to complex organs
creator of the TopoChip, a braille system for cells
experts in fabrication of devices for cell based tissue regeneration
several spin-off companies established, e.g. Materiomics BV
led by Prof. Clemens van Blitterswijk

A Brightlands institute

Brightlands is an open innovation community in a global context, connecting four campuses in the province of Limburg: in Maastricht, Heerlen, Sittard-Geleen and Venlo. The campuses provide entrepreneurs, scientists and students state-of-the-art facilities to support development, education, innovation and growth. Naturally, there are close links between all four Brightlands campuses, and together they enable Limburg to serve as an innovation region where researchers and entrepreneurs take on the major challenges in the areas of materials, health, food and smart services.

Scientific breakthrough: Forming model embryos from stem cells in the lab

New research to unravel embryonic development and discover medicines

Scientists from the MERLN Institute and the Hubrecht Institute (KNAW) have successfully created in the laboratory embryo-like structures from mouse stem cells. These model embryos resemble natural ones to the extent that, for the first time, they implant into the uterus and initiate pregnancy. This radically new method opens the door to understanding the first and hidden processes of life, problems of infertility, or the embryonic origin of diseases. This scientific breakthrough has been published in Nature. >> read the complete news article.

stem_cell_embryo.jpg

Research

Research at MERLN is focused on developing novel and breakthough technologies to advance the field of repair and regeneration of both tissues and functional organs. The strategy includes, amongst others, the development of “smart” biomaterials which can trigger intrinsic tissue repair mechanisms mediated by the patient’s own cells.

Education

MERLN’s scientists are involved in educational activities within different undergraduate and graduate programmes. Their expertise lies in biology, chemistry, materials science and engineering, with distinct emphasis on biomedical applications including, regenerative medicine.

MERLIN

Clemens van Blitterswijk

“In 2004 we discovered – quite by accident – that the special surface of certain materials can prompt cells in the body to make bone. That was a Eureka moment.”

Read full interview

Pamela Habibović

"Intelligently designed synthetic biomaterials that can regulate the regeneration of damaged organs and tissues in the body are the future of regenerative medicine. Indeed, we need creativity in materials science and engineering to make regenerative strategies affordable for everybody."

Jan de Boer

“If we can regenerate bones in such a way that the patient starts moving normally again, this will have beneficial effects for all the other organs. Healthy bones mean better health for the patient and thus healthier aging.”

More on Jan de Boer

Forming model embryos in the lab: the backstory
Friday, July 20, 2018
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MERLN makes headlines worldwide: 65,000 hits in 30 seconds
Friday, June 1, 2018

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Forming model embryos from stem cells in the lab
Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Scientists from the MERLN Institute and the Hubrecht Institute (KNAW) have successfully created in the laboratory embryo-like structures from mouse stem cells. These model embryos resemble natural ones to the extent that, for the first time, they implant into the uterus and initiate pregnancy.

Read more

Prestigious grant for research on stem cell-mediated tissue regeneration
Friday, April 13, 2018
Fundamental research on the repair process involved in tissue damage
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Launch new institute for regenerative medicine
Thursday, March 30, 2017
RegMed XB is the new institute for regenerative medicine
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Directed self-organisation of stem cells into tissues
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Researchers at the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University have developed a smarter method for growing human tissues in laboratories. This method cleverly stimulates the natural self-organising capacity of stem cells to form complex tissues.
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Major European grant for professor Clemens van Blitterswijk
Friday, April 8, 2016
Clemens van Blitterswijk, professor of Complex Tissue Regeneration at Maastricht University, has been awarded the most prestigious European research grant for individual researchers: the ERC Advanced Investigator Grant.
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Clemens van Blitterswijk appointed member of the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities (KHMW) has appointed Maastricht University's Clemens van Blitterswijk as one of its newest members.
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Professor Clemens van Blitterswijk wins 2015 Huibregtsen Prize
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Professor Clemens van Blitterswijk has won the 2015 Huibregtsen Prize.
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ESB Best Doctoral Thesis for Aurélie Carlier
Thursday, April 30, 2015
The European Society of Biomechanics has awarded Aurélie Carlier with the Best Doctoral Thesis in Biomechanics.
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